Meghan Markle’s Influence on Prince Harry’s Engagement with Sentebale Charity Uncovered

Recent reports suggest that Prince Harry’s involvement with the Sentebale charity has waned since his marriage to Meghan Markle. This shift has reportedly drawn criticism from Chief Khoabane Theko, the brother of Prince Seeiso, who co-founded the charity alongside Harry. Theko expressed concern over Harry’s diminishing presence in Lesotho, implying that the Duke of Sussex’s absence has had a detrimental effect on the charity’s mission.

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Meghan Markle’s Influence on Prince Harry's Engagement with Sentebale Charity Uncovered

In an interview with The Telegraph, Theko recounted Harry’s passionate commitment to Sentebale when it was established in 2006. “When Sentebale was launched, I remember his words quite vividly because he was very strong in saying, ‘my mother, [Princess Diana], this place, her passion about Africa,’ and all that,” Theko remarked, highlighting Harry’s initial devotion to the cause. However, Theko also lamented, “His loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of Sentebale’s survival,” noting that he has not seen Harry since the royal’s marriage in 2018.

 

Historically, Prince Harry visited Lesotho four times between June 2010 and late 2015, dedicating significant time and effort to the charity that supports vulnerable children in Southern Africa. However, his most recent trip in October 2024 marked a substantial gap of six years since his last visit. Theko expressed his disappointment that Harry and Markle, who began dating in 2016, chose to visit other parts of Africa without stopping in Lesotho.

 
Sentebale Charity Uncovered

Prince Harry, now 40, co-founded Sentebale as a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, who was known for her compassion and commitment to humanitarian efforts. Since marrying Markle, 43, the couple has welcomed two children: son Archie, aged five, and daughter Lilibet, aged three. Despite the couple’s popularity and philanthropic endeavors, their representatives have not issued any comments regarding the growing concerns about Harry’s involvement with Sentebale.

 

In March, Harry and Seeiso made headlines for their unexpected decision to step back from the charity. They released a joint statement expressing their heartbreak over the situation, stating, “What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this.” The duo attributed their departure to a breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s trustees and Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the board, which they described as “beyond repair.”

 

Dr. Chandauka later addressed the issue in an interview with the London Times, suggesting that the conflict was rooted in “misogynoir,” a term that refers to the intersection of racism and sexism. Reports from the US Sun earlier this month indicated that Markle had an unfavorable view of Chandauka, who allegedly found the Duchess “rude” during a polo match in 2024.

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Dr. Sophie Chandauka

A source revealed that Chandauka had attempted to introduce Markle to other attendees at the event, but Markle was reportedly reluctant to engage with those present. This incident may have contributed to the tensions between the chairwoman and the Duchess, further complicating the dynamics within the charity.

 

As the situation unfolds, the future of Sentebale remains uncertain, and the implications of Prince Harry’s decreased involvement are being closely monitored by those within the organization and its supporters. The charity, which aims to provide support and resources to vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana, has relied heavily on the visibility and commitment of its founders to sustain its mission.

 

The ongoing developments in the relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Sentebale serve as a reminder of the complexities that can arise when personal lives intersect with public service. As the couple navigates their roles as parents and public figures, their actions and decisions will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized and debated by the media and the public alike.

 

In summary, while Prince Harry’s initial dedication to Sentebale was evident, the changes in his involvement since marrying Meghan Markle raise questions about the charity’s future and the impact of their relationship on philanthropic efforts. As both Harry and Markle forge their own paths, their connection to organizations like Sentebale will likely remain a topic of interest and speculation.